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Questions and Answers
If a novel antifungal drug targets ergosterol synthesis, which cellular structure would be directly affected?
If a novel antifungal drug targets ergosterol synthesis, which cellular structure would be directly affected?
- The cell wall's chitin matrix
- The mitochondria's ability to produce ATP
- The cell membrane's integrity and fluidity (correct)
- The ribosomes responsible for protein synthesis
A researcher discovers a new fungal species that thrives in highly acidic, nutrient-poor soil. What enzymatic activity would be most crucial for its survival in this environment?
A researcher discovers a new fungal species that thrives in highly acidic, nutrient-poor soil. What enzymatic activity would be most crucial for its survival in this environment?
- Enhanced production of ergosterol for membrane stability
- Highly active DNA polymerase for rapid replication
- Robust production of proteases and cellulases (correct)
- Efficient chitin synthase for cell wall development
A patient is diagnosed with a systemic mycosis caused by a dimorphic fungus. The lab results show filamentous growth at 25°C and yeast-like growth at 37°C. What can you infer about the infection?
A patient is diagnosed with a systemic mycosis caused by a dimorphic fungus. The lab results show filamentous growth at 25°C and yeast-like growth at 37°C. What can you infer about the infection?
- The fungus is adapting to the external environment by switching forms.
- The infection is limited to the patient's skin surface.
- The fungus is only infectious in its filamentous form.
- The patient was likely infected by airborne conidia. (correct)
In a fungal genetics experiment, researchers identify a mutant strain that is unable to form septa. What would be the most likely consequence of this mutation?
In a fungal genetics experiment, researchers identify a mutant strain that is unable to form septa. What would be the most likely consequence of this mutation?
A new fungicide inhibits the formation of conidiophores. What aspect of the fungal life cycle would be directly disrupted?
A new fungicide inhibits the formation of conidiophores. What aspect of the fungal life cycle would be directly disrupted?
Why is sexual sporulation relatively rare among human fungal pathogens?
Why is sexual sporulation relatively rare among human fungal pathogens?
A researcher is studying a new species of yeast and observes that it reproduces exclusively through budding. What would be a reasonable conclusion about its genetic diversity compared to a species that reproduces sexually?
A researcher is studying a new species of yeast and observes that it reproduces exclusively through budding. What would be a reasonable conclusion about its genetic diversity compared to a species that reproduces sexually?
A soil sample is found to contain a fungal mycelium with cross-walls that have pores, allowing cytoplasmic streaming. What type of hyphae is present?
A soil sample is found to contain a fungal mycelium with cross-walls that have pores, allowing cytoplasmic streaming. What type of hyphae is present?
Following a construction project, several workers develop a respiratory illness. Sputum samples reveal a fungus that grows as a mold at ambient temperature and as yeast at body temperature. Which characteristic is most helpful in determining the route of infection?
Following a construction project, several workers develop a respiratory illness. Sputum samples reveal a fungus that grows as a mold at ambient temperature and as yeast at body temperature. Which characteristic is most helpful in determining the route of infection?
A scientist is analyzing a fungal sample from a patient with a skin infection. The fungal cells are single, unconnected, and spheroid. How would you classify this fungus?
A scientist is analyzing a fungal sample from a patient with a skin infection. The fungal cells are single, unconnected, and spheroid. How would you classify this fungus?
Flashcards
Fungal Cell Wall
Fungal Cell Wall
Largely composed of chitin.
Fungal Cell Membrane
Fungal Cell Membrane
Contains ergosterol.
Chemoheterotroph
Chemoheterotroph
Requires organic carbon for growth.
Mycelium
Mycelium
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Hyphae
Hyphae
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Yeast-like Fungi
Yeast-like Fungi
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Dimorphic Fungi
Dimorphic Fungi
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Sporulation
Sporulation
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Asexual Spores
Asexual Spores
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Sexual Spores
Sexual Spores
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Study Notes
- Fungal cell walls largely consist of chitin
- Fungal cell membranes contain ergosterol
- Fungi inhabit soil or water with decaying organic matter
- These organisms are chemoheterotrophs, necessitating an organic carbon source for growth
- Fungi secrete cellulases, proteases, and nucleases to degrade external substances and absorb nutrients across the cell membrane
Modes of Fungal Growth
- Fungi exist in filamentous (mold) and unicellular (yeast) forms
Filamentous (Mold) Fungi
- The vegetative body is a mass of branched threads called mycelium
- Hyphae are tubular cells that may be partitioned by septa or be unpartitioned
- Perforated septa connect adjacent cells
Yeast-like Fungi
- Yeast-like fungi are single, unconnected, spheroid cells
- These cells reproduce by budding
- Candida albicans represents this form
Dimorphic Fungi
- Some fungi, like Blastomyces dermatitidis and Histoplasma capsulatum, which cause systemic mycoses, exist in both filamentous (room temperature) and yeast (body temperature) forms
Sporulation
- Fungi reproduce and spread via sporulation
- Spores transmit via air and water
- Spores germinate, establishing new colonies
- Spores are produced asexually or sexually
Asexual vs. Sexual Sporulation
- Asexual spores form via mitosis in or on specialized hyphae
- Conidia are asexual spores
- Conidiophores are specialized hyphae
- Conidia detach from mycelial mats
- Conidia are a major source of fungal dispersal
- Sexual sporulation is relatively rare among human fungal pathogens
- Ascospores are produced by meiosis
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